Kristina and Karl’s wedding day had finally arrived! I was excited to be spending the day with this fun-loving couple for some time, and became even more excited when I saw how gorgeous Kristina looked in her wedding dress. I met up with her in the bridal suite, where her bridesmaids and mother were helping the bride with her preparations. When everything was perfect we hit the streets, walking a few short blocks away to the designated “first look” spot.
Kristina and Karl had their first look at each other in front of this iconic Chicago backdrop. Surrounded by their bridal party, the couple gave each other hugs and kisses before posing with their bridesmaids and groomsmen for portraits.
We moved down the street to the LaSalle Street bridge, where we took the next series of photos. Kristina and Karl were so relaxed and easy-going… their smiles rarely left their faces. I just had to tell them were to stand and click away!
Just down the river was the Art Institute, where the ceremony and reception were held. We made good use of the museum’s garden for another round of bridal party portraits.
Kristina and Karl posed with the lion posted up outside the front door…
…and then we headed inside. Family was there waiting for us!
Kristina’s dad was the first to give the bride a hug, followed by Karl’s father.
We didn’t have too long to greet family, though, as Kristina took a moment in the bridal prep area to touch up her lips. Soon after, she, Karl and I headed out to take pictures of the couple in the ceremony area.
This is the stairway from which the couple would make their entrance…
…and this is the spot where they would say their vows (standing up, of course!).
Kristina and Karl’s planner, Lori (of Lola Event Productions), and her assistant helped to make sure the bride’s dress was at its most photogenic for this shot.
As guests began to arrive, we retreated back to the bridal staging area, where Kristina received some help putting on her veil. A few moments later, she was being escorted down that gorgeous staircase by her parents. The ceremony was underway!
A friend of the couple’s was honored to be presiding over the ceremony.
With rings, vows and a kiss exchanged, Kristina and Karl were pronounced husband and wife! They made their exit to spend a few moments alone together while guests began the cocktail hour.
And what do you do when you have your wedding at the Art Institute? Why, recreate scenes from Farris Bueller’s Day Off, of course!
Just before making her entrance in to the reception, Kristina took a minute to catch her breath. The day was flying by… she wanted to be sure to savor as much of it as she could!
The bride and groom entered the reception hall, met with cheers and applause from their guests. When they found their seats, Kristina’s father started things off with a toast.
The Maid of Honor was up next with her speech, followed by Karl’s brother who gave the Best Man’s toast.
Then the newlyweds shared their first dance together as husband and wife.
Kristina’s father had his turn during the father/daughter dance…
…and then this bride was ready to party!
All the guests piled on the floor to celebrate with Kristina and Karl. It was a heck of a party, too, as you’ll see in this collection of images from Kristina and Karl’s dance party:
Her mom
And a good time was had by all… especially Kristina and Karl! Congratulations on your marriage and many thanks for including me in your day!
